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Traditional leaders in Hurungwe District have called on Zimbabweans to shun political violence ahead of the harmonised elections set for July this year.
In separate interviews, the chiefs said they were engaging their subjects on the dangers associated with political violence.
Mashonaland West chiefs’ representative in the Senate Chief Dandawa (Try Manyepa) said traditional leaders had always been pillars of peace and stability.
“We do not only preach about peace during elections as this has always been our duty as traditional leaders,” he said.
“We, however, urge our subjects to be peace loving and respectful to the country’s laws by avoiding political violence.”
Chief Chanetsa (Mr Abel Katsvere) said lives were often lost unnecessarily before, during and after elections.
“It is our duty as leaders of our areas to preach peace so that this year’s harmonised elections are free, fair and credible,” he said.
“We are encouraging villagers to avoid hate speech and violence during this period.”
Chief Chanetsa reminded Zimbabweans that they would remain neighbours and relatives after the election.
“We are also going to engage the political players to see to it that they engage us, the headmen or village heads before holding campaigns in their areas,” he said.
Chief Nematombo (Mr Lovemore Karengesha) urged political parties to heed President Mnangagwa’s call on non-violence.
“All political parties should respect what the President is saying time and again; that this year’s elections are going to be free, fair and credible, but that can only be achieved if we desist from political violence,” he said.
President Mnangagwa has indicated that there is no need to close Zimbabwe’s borders for election observers as Government will ensure free, fair and credible elections this year.
Online Reporter